Artwork
Melle Carlotta Grisi.
Melle Carlotta Grisi. is a print by the Romanticist artist Jules Robert, Pierre Joseph Challamel. It dates from 1841 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum. This print depicts Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, a character from a ballet first performed in 1841.
About this work
The artist captured one moment on stage: her hand hovers unsure, maybe miming “remember” or signaling madness.
This print shows a dancer in the role of Giselle, from the early 1840s ballet of the same name. The artist captured one moment on stage: her hand hovers unsure, maybe miming “remember” or signaling madness.
Giselle was new in 1841. The story flips from love to tragedy when her lover’s disguise is revealed. In the second act she returns as a spirit to protect him instead.
Look up the Victoria and Albert Museum’s ballet prints.
Overview
This print depicts Carlotta Grisi as Giselle, a character from a ballet first performed in 1841. The image captures a moment from the performance, conveying a sense of uncertainty.
Subject & Meaning
The print shows Giselle, a young woman who dies of a broken heart after being deceived by her lover, and later returns as a spirit. The dancer's gesture is open to interpretation, possibly signifying remembrance or madness.
Technique & Style
The blue tint of the print references the nocturnal setting of the ballet's second act, where the spirits of jilted women, known as Wilis, rise from their graves.
History & Provenance
The ballet 'Giselle' was first performed in 1841, and this print dates from the early 1840s, suggesting it was created shortly after the ballet's premiere.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jules Robert, Pierre Joseph Challamel
Jules Robert Challamel made a print of Melle Carlotta Grisi in the ballet *Giselle* from 1841.
